The Rag Series evolved from the terry cloth used in the studio to wipe drips, spills, and excess paint or to simply serve as a corrective tool. Alston began examining and observing the patterns created on the cloth, transforming them into finished paintings. This encourages the viewer to consider how these works emerged independently, with additional interventions as needed. In some cases, he applied extra paint, made final strokes, or removed excess material to finalize them as compact, solid paintings. They form a remarkable series that conveys the studio's narrative to the public.